Alltimepost.com Sincerity of Purpose
By Eben Enasco
The recent suspension of Felix Osemwingie Isere is brewing diverse opinions, with many questioning the motivations behind Governor Okpebholo’s bullet-like- speed decision.
While the official reasons for the suspension may have been stated, there are underlying implications that warrant closer examination.
Many may grapple in disbelief and wonder why the governor’s action reflects zero tolerance for suspected acts of corrupt practices.
While others will feel a sharp difference by seeing it as a demonstration of his authority and influence over key appointments and decisions, the larger components are of the view that such action seems to lie in his mission to shape the political and governance landscape.
This is, as others see it as a suspension that could be linked to differing views on policy implementation or governance styles between Felix Isere and the Governor.
Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), in a statement released in the wee hour of Tuesday, July 28, 2025, alleged that the suspended aide had embarked on illegal fund raising for Oil and Gas summit without the due approval of the State government.
Felix Osemwengie Isere was alleged to have taken that decision without due process, which may have been viewed by his principal as sheer neglect of accountability and transparency even though the move was aimed at attracting investors.
The statement further revealed that The Governor also ordered the suspended aide to immediately refund all monies collected from donors.
The statement reads in part, ” It is hereby announced for the information of the Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has ordered the suspension of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere from office, for unauthorized fund raising, using the name of Edo State Government for the proposed Oil and Gas Summit scheduled to hold in Benin City on Thursday 7” August, 2025.
“In view of the foregoing, the proposed Summit is hereby suspended and Felix Osemwengie Isere has been ordered to refund monies to the various donors.
In a critical view of the statement, “using the name of Edo State Government for the proposed Oil and Gas Summit scheduled to be held in Benin City on Thursday 7” August, 2025”, it is suggestive of Felix Osemwengie not being a member of the government despite his position.
From a critical thinker’s perspective, this situation also suggests that the suspension of Isere and the potential halt of the summit raise concerns about governance and accountability within the Edo State Government.
Despite government accountability concerns, there are economic Implications of the summit’s purpose meant to attract investment and promote sustainable development in the oil and gas sector but the controversy surrounding Isere’s suspension might impact its success.
Most often, the government’s emphasis on transparency and accountability is crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring the effective use of state resources.
The statement about the Edo State Government’s proposed Oil and Gas Summit appears to be related to a controversy surrounding the earlier wheel of suspension that greeted Hon Samson Osagie, the attorney general of Edo State, though recalled in the last minute after a suspected plea from the greater authority and a further inquest that absolved him of any misdeed.
It is now Felix Osemwengie Isere of another Benin extraction in the trail of similar suspension.
Recall that Hon Osagie and another appointee, the Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Commission, Damian Lawani were suspended on the same day, 5th February over an allegation of financial recklessness leveled against them.
However, the Edo State government recalled the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie from suspension and asked him to resume duties effective March 12, 2025, a little over a month after he was suspended and a conclusion of investigation into the allegations.
While the government of Monday Okpebholo is barely one year in office, there has been a strong sledgehammer cracking the reign of suspected corrupt practices in the government corridor.
Where men have probably slept on Monday July 28, 2025, the suspension of Felix Osemwingie Isere, a legal practitioner was announced, in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor.
The government emphasizes transparency and proper governance, warning against dealings with Isere and hinting at a possible halt to the summit until further notice.
Overall, the statement highlights the complexities of governance and the importance of transparency in public affairs.
These occurring suspected accountability recklessness seems to have raised dust in the government cycle, particularly amongst his employees.
Many of the governor’s aides must see this action of government as a disciplinary measure and strong testament to career building statement.
However, the public’s reaction to the suspension could influence their trust in Governor Okpebholo’s administration, depending on how the situation is handled.
